Image says ‘Parents Mental Health: Mental Health Matters’
Image which represents two people talking to each other saying their ‘fine’ but underneath they have lots of thoughts. Image credit @thepsychologymum
Images says ‘limit your expectations: lower your expectations’

At least six weeks long, the school Summer holidays can feel a little daunting !

For many parents and carers they will be balancing the need to entertain and look after their child(ren) alongside other demands such as work, chores.

Patience can be one of the many things alongside the energy that is needed to be kept up !

One the outside it quite often looks like you have it altogether, but it might not match how you are feeling on the inside.

How can you make sure you look after yourself as well as the children ?

Manage expectations

This can be your own expectations of yourself but also of those around you.

What can you drop or reduce ?

You may need to consider a different pace. Are there things that can wait ? What can you not do ?

Be careful what you commit to

It can be helpful to think to every “yes” to someone else, is a “no” to yourself.

Be consistent

Being clear can help children understand what to expect. It can help manage difficult situations and avoid any potential worry for the child. This could be around consistency with timings, treats and your availability to support.

Looking after YOU

Take support where you can, regular breaks are important as you can’t run on empty. You are as important to look after too.

Image with the wording ‘look after you’ showing three people looking relaxed.

I offer counselling online and face to face in Shoreham-by-sea, West Sussex to help those who might be feeling overwhelmed with parenting responsibilities and who might benefit from trying to find a better balance within their life. If you feel you might benefit from some counselling from me please do get in contact via email [email protected]

Parenting over the holidays
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